Regular hunting and fishing license fees, which haven't seen an increase in 12 years, would go up by $10 under a proposal by New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department.

Executive Director Glenn Normandeau says the department has cut costs as much as it can without reducing services. The increases were authorized by the Legislature to fill a $1.2 million hole in the department's proposed budget. They would take effect Jan. 1.

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"The proposal is out for public comment, but the question is not whether to raise prices, but which prices should increase and by how much," Normandeau said. "The Legislature is counting on this new revenue to keep the department going."

Under the proposal, resident freshwater fishing licenses would go from $33 to $43; hunting licenses from $21 to $31; and combination hunting/fishing from $44 to $54. Annual hunting and fishing permit fees for non-residents would also increase by $10. One-, three- and seven-day fishing permit fees would not change.

Residents who reach their 68th birthday after Jan. 1 would pay an annual fee of $10 for a fishing license or combination hunting and fishing license. These licenses are currently free. Residents who are 68 before Jan. 1 will be eligible for a free license. Permits for turkey, bear and pheasant would continue to be purchased by all those over age 68.

Resident hunting and fishing guide permits would increase from $59.50 to $100. Permits for non-resident guides would go from $200.50 to $350.

Public hearings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Fish and Game office in Lancaster; Sept. 28 at Keene High School; Sept. 29 at the Urban Forestry Center, Portsmouth; and Sept. 30 at department headquarters, Concord.